Leaked Doc Reveals The Chaotic Politics Behind Trump Energy Department Cuts
A leaked document reveals the chaotic politics behind Trump Energy Department cuts, exposing confusion and power struggles within the agency. The Department of Energy (DOE) recently canceled nearly $8 billion worth of awards, a move the Trump administration framed as a victory for fossil fuels. But internal documents obtained by TechCrunch show a far more complicated story unfolding behind the scenes.
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Billions In DOE Projects Abruptly Canceled
The DOE has yet to publicly release the full list of canceled contracts. However, TechCrunch analyzed a leaked internal document detailing 321 projects targeted for termination. These projects span a wide range of energy initiatives — from renewable power research to methane reduction in oil and gas production.
Interestingly, not all the projects were focused on renewables. Two major ones — a $300 million grant to Colorado State University and a $210 million project at the Gas Technology Institute — aimed to help oil and gas producers lower methane emissions. Both were unexpectedly cut, raising questions about the administration’s stated priorities.
Fossil Fuel Research Also Hit Hard
While the Trump administration touted the move as pro–fossil fuel, the data paints a murkier picture. The Gas Technology Institute, a nonprofit known for supporting the natural gas industry, lost a dozen awards totaling $417 million. Even carbon capture and removal projects, typically seen as bipartisan climate solutions, were not spared.
Of the 21 carbon-related projects under review, 10 were canceled, representing nearly $200 million in lost funding. Some of these projects were based in states that voted for Trump, suggesting the cuts weren’t strictly political — or perhaps that internal politics played an even messier role.
Experts See Politics At Play
“Three categories are popping up,” said Erin Burns, executive director at Carbon180, a nonprofit focused on carbon removal policy. “Where are they located? Who are the partners? Were these projects likely to move forward?”
Her comments highlight the political and strategic maneuvering behind the cuts. Some industry experts believe the cancellations reflect factional disputes within the DOE itself — between those pushing for innovation and others favoring traditional energy interests.
A Broader Shift In U.S. Energy Policy
The leaked doc revealing the chaotic politics behind Trump Energy Department cuts underscores the administration’s unpredictable approach to energy. While publicly emphasizing energy independence, these decisions appear to undermine innovation — particularly in carbon management and methane reduction.
For startups, universities, and research groups, the sudden cancellations have left projects in limbo and eroded trust in federal energy funding. As the U.S. faces mounting climate challenges, many experts warn that political interference in science-based energy programs could have lasting economic and environmental costs.
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